Quiet time with my Father in heaven silently slipped away as I sweated over the computer, writing a new Bible study. The assignment was humanly impossible. The deadline ludicrous. Every night I fell into bed counting the days left to complete the unfinished chapters. My nightly prayer, "Oh God, I know this is your calling, your book, but there are not enough minutes in the days to make it happen. Wake me up early so that I can finish the chapter required" was a cry of desperation, not hope. Then one morning I heard His voice wake me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me."

Wide awake, I knew God was calling me – not to sit at the computer right away but to meet Him as His beautiful daughter, His beloved, to sit in my special chair, journal on my lap, pen in hand, and listen as He whispered His love and strength through His Word. Those few minutes refreshed my soul and reminded me that experiencing His presence was critical to reflecting His redemption.

Too often we are busy doing His work but neglecting the love affair He invites us to experience. As the summer winds down and the fall season revs up, listen to the invitation from your Father. Time spent with Him will equip you for the tasks at hand. In my book, Treasures of Encouragement, A Monthly Planner, I encourage women who want to obey the encouragement mandate that spending time with our Father is the first step:

God equips us to offer the treasures of biblical encouragement when we immerse ourselves in His love. Consider creating a special place reserved just for your time with the Master. Fill a corner with a comfortable chair, good lighting, a small table with favorite pictures of people in your "village," a healthy plant, extra pens, your journal, and a Bible. Fill a carafe with a favorite hot or cold drink.

I hear your protests. No room, no time, too many interruptions. Really? Building strong village life starts with a deepening awareness of your position as a daughter of the King. Cultivating a passion for God requires sacrificial choices. What choices will you make this month?

(Reprinted from Treasures of Encouragement, A Monthyl Planner, Sharon W. Betters, page 15, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co.)